(1) The Florida Legislature recognizes that over 80 percent of the state’s population lives in coastal areas and is dependent on groundwater sources for drinking water supplies. Further, the Legislature recognizes that saltwater intrusion is an increased threat to healthful and safe drinking water supplies.
(2) The Intended Use Plan required of the department under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, shall provide, in general, to the maximum extent practicable, that priority for the use of funds be given to projects that:(a) Address the most serious risk to human health, especially projects that would develop alternative water supply in areas with saltwater intrusion problems;
(b) Are necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, including requirements for filtration; and
(c) Assist systems most in need on a per-household basis according to affordability criteria established by the Department of Environmental Protection by rule.
